Interview with Albéric Aublanc – embedded systems engineer
by Sabine Botella

Hello Albéric, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Can you tell me how you chose your initial training?

With a passion for electronics, programming and communications technologies, I went on to study networks and telecommunications, and then embedded systems engineering. In the course of my career, I’ve practiced software/firmware development while acquiring skills and experience in hardware (electronic design). It’s a real career choice, as it allows me to intervene at different levels of product design. When you’re a child, you take things apart, then when you’re older and you’ve got the hang of it, you put them back together again.

When you finished your studies, how did you choose your career?

I’ve always favored fields and companies in which I could learn and push my technique as far as possible. This has guided my professional choices (internships in France and abroad, jobs, business start-ups). In my career, I’ve wanted to work as much as possible for ethical and/or human-oriented applications. In particular, I worked for Sunpower in France for 5 years. This experience combined technical expertise with the design of solar energy products. I’m currently working in the industrial sector, but also as a freelance designer for games such as café games, arcade games and multimedia systems.

How did you come to meet Flipper?

I’ve always wanted a pinball machine, it’s a bit like my Proust’s madeleine. It reminds me of all the good times I used to spend with a friend or relative playing pinball at cafés, funfairs or video games. Later, studying the design of existing pinball machines gradually fueled the desire to own and/or create a pinball machine. I started looking for dealers to see what they had to offer, and that’s when I met someone to whom I owe a lot: Grégoire from “Flipper Spirit”. One thing led to another, and he invited me to his workshop for pinball restoration and modifications, and we became friends. He was one of the organizers of the Festi’flip show in Saint Etienne, France, and it was there in 2015 that I met Romain Fontaine, Nicolas from PinSound and other people renowned for their skills in technical solutions and the creation of new products. It was also the start of my adventure, as Grégoire shared with me a wealth of knowledge about old machines and other gaming machines. It was thanks to him that I was able to acquire an old pinball machine to restore. This enabled me to learn how to recreate mechanical parts, work on wood paint, and develop electronics and software. It’s a restoration, but also a working tool. It was during this period that I began to think about different electronic system solutions, and to exchange ideas and work with Romain Fontaine.

How did you get in touch with Hexa Pinball?

This follows firmware development and integration with MPF of the Team Pinball control card. This solution could be used by Hexa Pinball. Romain put me in touch with the team so that I could contribute to the development of Space Hunt.

Can you tell us more about your involvement in the Space Hunt?

At the start of the project, as a team, we defined the inputs/outputs, LEDs, etc., so as to be able to anticipate the electronics and code. I then took part in the design and assembly of a 1st prototype at Alexandre’s in Bordeaux. We assembled the raw board, wired and soldered on site over 2/3 days. I was involved in various tasks, such as proposing or investigating technical solutions, and remotely modifying firmware and software to correct and resolve various problems. I also coded one of the game’s missions. More recently, I worked on the support/integration of the PinSound shaker.

How did you work with the team?

My work was mainly carried out remotely, through team meetings or subject-specific calls. I was more in touch with Christophe, Alexandre and Romain on the technical aspects.

What impact do you think Pinball has on people?

Pinball is a game that brings people together and evokes memories for many. Locally, I’m surprised by the reaction of people when we bring up the subject: they’re all smiles and enthusiasm. I’m delighted to introduce Pinball to younger generations. Although we’re used to dematerializing everything, it’s nice to see that there’s still a craze for mechanical games and arcade games.

You were a long way from the Hexa pinball workshop, but were you able to play on the Space Hunt?

Alexandre invited every member of the team to take part in “The Pinball Workshop Experience”, and it was great. It enabled me to acquire Space Hunt and to meet up with the rest of the team to share this great moment. Today, I’m very happy to be able to play it, and even happier to see my friends and family having fun with it.

What do you think makes Hexa Pinball different?

I think that Hexa Pinball tries to bring in different new ideas, such as the mobile app for pinball setup. The whole team is passionate about what they do, and this translates into high quality at every level: graphics, gameplay, sound, selection of materials, mechanical design, manufacture of the board, technical solutions and so on. The whole is modern without being overloaded. As for the gameplay, I appreciate the variety of shots, missions and the mini board. Overall, it’s a simple, robust design.

And out of curiosity, did you keep the pinball machine you restored?

I still have it, but it’s not finished because I need to thermoform a plastic ramp that’s nowhere to be found. Like many owners of old pinball machines, we can’t always find replacement parts. You can try to reproduce them, but it’s more or less difficult depending on the type of part.

Albéric, do you have anything to add to our interview?

I’d like to thank all the members of the team and all the people I’ve met in the pinball world.